By Karen Raterman
The humble beetroot is the focus of new human clinical trials relating to sports performance and cognitive function. The high nitrate content in beets, which is transformed into nitric oxide in the body, plays a role in blood pressure regulation, cardiovascular function, and energy production. The possibilities of dietary nitrate supplementation could offer benefits across several body systems. Read more >>
By Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter
In this video, “Medicine Hunter” Chris Kilham observes the harvesting of tualang honey in the Terengganu state in northeastern Malaysia. The harvest is dangerous for a number of reasons: scaling the extreme height of the Koompassia excelsa trees to reach the hives and, of course, some very protective bees. However, the reward for these intrepid gatherers is a honey with high levels of antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and a traditional use for wound healing. Read more >>
By Hannah Bauman and Taylor Moyer
Whether enjoyed in guacamole or on toast, avocado provides rich amounts of vitamins and minerals and beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids. The fruit and seed have a long history of traditional use in the American continents dating back almost 10,000 years, and modern research has examined its possible health benefits as well. Read more >>
Beta vulgaris
©2017 Steven Foster
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This book offers readers simple tips and strategies to understand the energetics of herbs and how to harness their healing abilities in practical ways. Herbalist de la Forêt embraces a holistic approach to health that uses plants, lifestyle, and diet to keep herbalism relevant in the modern world. Part I introduces readers to the healing power of herbs and plants while Part II contains information on specific herbs and spices divided into sections based on taste classifications: pungent, salty, sour, bitter, and sweet. At the end of the book, an index, glossary, and recommended resources section allow for easy reference and further independent research. Each herb profile contains the plant’s medicinal properties and energetics, body systems it supports, suggestions for dosage and use, and a few simple recipes for food and medicine.
“The focus of this book is transforming your relationship with herbs and spices,” de la Forêt explains in her introduction. “I hope it broadens your view and awakens your mind and senses to the powerful effect of medicinal plants, and that it then inspires you to use them abundantly in your daily life.”
Alchemy of Herbs can be purchased at the publisher’s website. ©2017, Hay House Publishing. All text is used with permission from the publisher and may not be reproduced for any other purpose.
Science Calls Out Jeff Sessions on Medical Marijuana and the ‘Historic Drug Epidemic.’ Scientific American. June 13, 2017. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions has asked Congress not to restrict the Department of Justice’s ability to go after individuals and organizations involved in state-legal medicinal cannabis operations.
HKBU Study Finds Tianjiu Therapy Improves Allergic Rhinitis Patients’ Daily Life Quality. EurekAlert! June 13, 2017. A clinical trial of 138 patients with seasonal allergies found that Chinese medicinal herb pastes applied to certain areas of the body helped improve patients’ nasal symptoms and general quality of life.
Meds Rooted in Ancient China May Help Heart: Review. HealthDay News. June 13, 2017. A review of 56 clinical studies suggests that certain traditional Chinese medicines may help improve cardiovascular health conditions.
Eating Chocolate, a Little Each Week, May Lower the Risk of A Heart Flutter. NPR. May 24, 2017. After analyzing data from more than 55,000 participants involved in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, researchers reported a correlation between moderate chocolate consumption and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation.
Why a Modern Cosmetics Company Is Mining Armenia’s Ancient Manuscripts. Smithsonian. May 22, 2017. A skincare products company is looking for natural ingredient inspiration in ancient Armenian medical manuscripts.
The Self-Medicating Animal. The New York Times Magazine. May 18, 2017. According to some scientists, examining animals’ self-medication habits may provide unique insights into human health challenges.
New Potential for Marijuana: Treating Drug Addiction. CNN. May 17, 2017. Specialists have begun exploring a counterintuitive approach to drug addiction recovery: the therapeutic use of medicinal cannabis compounds.
Irreplaceable Plant Specimens an ‘Obscene’ Loss after Being Incinerated in Quarantine Flub. The New York Times. May 12, 2017. A collection of more than 100 valuable plant specimens destined for Australia’s Queensland Herbarium was incinerated as a result of “communication and paperwork mistakes.”
AHPA Issues Good Herbal Compounding and Dispensing Practices White Paper. American Herbal Products Association. May 15, 2017.
The State of the World's Plants Report 2017. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. May 18, 2017.
SIDI Work Group Calls for Comments on Draft Updated Protocol. SIDI Workgroup. June 1, 2017.
Natural Health Product Policy and Regulatory Leader Michael Smith Receives NHP Research Society Neil Tower’s Award. NHP Research Society of Canada. May 11, 2017.
Review Identifies 140 Controlled Clinical Trials Related to Cannabis. NORML. June 8, 2017.
Natural Products Center, USDA Team to Create Natural Insect Repellents. Ole Miss. June 12, 2017.
Hyris and Indena Partner for the On-site Genomic Identification of Botanical Species. Indena. May 3, 2017.
Wildflower Center Designated Texas State Botanic Garden and Arboretum. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. June 9, 2017.
2017 American Council for Medicinally Active Plants Conference.
June 20-23, 2017. Clemson, South Carolina.
11th European Nutrition and Dietetics Conference.
June 29 – July 1, 2017. Madrid, Spain.
20th Annual NBJ Summit.
July 17-20, 2017. Rancho Palos Verde, California.
Natural and Organic Products Asia.
August 30 – November 1, 2017. Hong Kong.
2017 MushRoaming Tours: Colombia.
September 24 – October 5, 2017. Colombia.
SupplySide West.
September 26-30, 2017. Las Vegas, Nevada.
More event listings can be found on ABC's website.
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